What to do in case of frostbite?

With hypothermia, the whole body basically cools down, so the main symptoms arise from the body's need to warm up. You should, therefore, be able to recognize the early symptoms of hypothermia in your child: intense body shivering, slow, difficult movements, awkward gait and speech difficulties.
  • Take the child to a warm place or an area sheltered from the cold environment.
  • Remove wet clothes from the child, change him/her into dry clothes.
  • Warm up the central part of the body (torso) first.
  • Wrap the whole body in a blanket and, if you can, warm him/her by using a hot water bottle - thermophore, heated pillows or an electric blanket in the upper part of the body (armpit, chest and upper back).
  • In an emergency, warm him/her with your body heat.
  • If he/she is conscious, give him/her hot beverages.
  • Never put a child in a hot bath or shower. Try to warm him/her by staying near a fire, stove or another heat source.
  • Arrange transportation to a medical facility as soon as possible. You should take the child to receive medical attention only if it is necessary!
  • If the child is pale, shivering, seems confused, exhausted, disoriented, sleepy, has memory loss and difficulty speaking - seek emergency medical assistance immediately!